YOUR CHILD’S CARE: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

All babies and children are different, each with his own unique set of individual characteristics that makes him special. Yet growth and development do progress along pathways that are predictable. The stages and milestones described in this chapter are ones that most children go through and achieve at around the ages specified.

Remember, however, that there is a good deal of variation between children. The times and stages described here serve only as a guide to the range at which most children achieve milestones. Just because your child does not exactly coincide with these times does not mean that anything is wrong. Please do not worry if your child is different.

On the other hand, if you do have any concerns about your child’s growth and development, do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Do not wait — see your doctor or nurse who will be able to reassure you and give you appropriate advice.

Growth and development take place in the context of a continuing transaction between the child and his environment. Both intrinsic factors within the child and environmental influences (such as nutrition, stimulation, family interactions) are important.

*127\90\8*